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Marie Curie And Her Daughters: The Private Lives Of Science's First Family (2012)

by Shelley Emling(Favorite Author)

3.57 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

0230115713 (ISBN13: 9780230115712)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Palgrave Macmillan Trade

review 1: I enjoyed this biography. There isn't much written about Curie's later life or her relationship with her daughters. This book fills the gaps. I was totally unaware that her oldest daughter and granddaughter followed in her footsteps as well-known and important scientists. If not for WWII, Irene Curie and her husband Frederic would likely have cracked the atom. They were leaders in France's nuclear energy scene post war. I was even more surprised to learn about Curie's younger daughter Eve, who was a significant war correspondent, lived in the US, and died only recently (in 2007) at the age of 102. I would love to know more about her. My only quibble is the biographer's "fan girl" treatment. It's obvious the author is a deep admirer which always makes me a little suspicious... more, that less savory incidents are left out. I have no evidence of that with this book, it's just the tone of the writing. Altogether a satisfying read and recommended for the general reader who wants to know more about these remarkable women.
review 2: This is a well written book, concentrating on the later life of Madame Curie. She is portrayed as a woman who toiled and gave her life for the sheer joy of discovery. She is extra special, for she received the Nobel prize for Physics jointly with her husband (Pierre Curie) and Becqueral and in Chemistry by herself for the discovery of Radium. This story also pertains to her involvement with her daughters, whom she nurtured to have a purpose and Goal in life. Her elder daughter Irene Curie followed her footsteps and became a great scientist, wining the Nobel prize for the discovery of artificial Radiactivity, sharing it with Frederic-Juliot-Curie, her husband, who took his wife's family name. The younger daughter was a writer by profession, a charming and celebrated reporter in world war II, touring the entire world. She met Pandit Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, among many other world leaders, travelling all around the world. She married Henry Richardson Labouisse, Jr, with whom she worked for UNICEF. Henry Richardson Labouisse, Jr. received the Nobel peace Prize on behalf of UNICEF. Irene Curie and Frederic-Juliot-Curie both died of cancer due to exposure to radiation, during their research. Eve Curie lived until 102 years of age. This book gives an idea of the passion and perseverance of people in the enterprise of Science. A must read for all women professionals too. less

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